Great marketing job, Disney Cruise Line. Your first new ship in 11 years, the Disney Dream, doesn't set sail until January 2011 and you keep releasing these delightful little tidbits to keep us intrigued and wanting more. If you have a 30", HD virtual porthole in your Inside Stateroom, expect to have real-time outside views AND catch a glimpse of Mickey, the balloon house from the movie Up, and Finding Nemo's Peach the starish popping in! These staterooms are actually selling out faster than Oceanview Staterooms and I want one too! Some may find this shocking, but sometimes parents want to occasionally spend time away from their children while on vacation. It happens (frequently to me...). And you may think a Disney ship is one of the LAST places you might find such a kid-free oasis. Thoughtfully, Disney has provided multiple places to escape Disney on the Dream. For example, Skyline is an adults-only cocktail bar featuring views of some of the world's most amazing skylines (think Tokyo, Paris, & London) on 'window' screens. One moment you're looking over the Eiffel Tower, the next you're in Hong Kong! Ah, but what to DO with the kiddos while you're sipping champagne in Paris? As it turns out, the kids will be even more interested in ditching YOU for the Oceaneer's Club, where they can play in Andy's Room from Toy Story, study at the Monster's Academy, or chat with a virtual Crush from Finding Nemo. True, the Dream isn't finished yet, but don't let that stop you from booking a stateroom through me now. It will be taking over the Wonder's route in the Bahamas on 3, 4, or a new 5 night (2 stops at Castaway Cay!) cruise. Interested in how much this adventure would cost you? Give me a call or shoot me an email and I can let you know!
The great news: people are busy traveling again and cruise industry sales are WAY up compared to recent years!
The not-so-good news: cruise prices are going UP very shortly because of the increase in sales! Carnival has announced their summer sailing prices will be increasing effective March 22nd, 2010. And, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just followed suit with an announcement that their fares will be going up a whopping 7% on April 2nd, 2010!
So, what does this mean for YOU? If you're even considering setting sail this year, drop me a line and I'll get you a quote ASAP before these increases take effect! Remember, it doesn't cost you a thing to have me take a look and the price of a nearly all-inclusive (usually just excluding alcoholic beverages) cruise may just pleasantly surprise you! For instance, Princess has 7-day Summer 2010 Caribbean sailings starting from just $499 per person.
This is looking like a popular trend, so I don't think we've seen the last of these price increases...  Photo: The new Carnival Dream's waterslide
Just as a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation is unlike any other family vacation, a cruise aboard the Disney Wonder is a unique experience with something for everyone in the family!
More 'Steamboat Willie' than 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' in ambience (think classic Disney), our family of 4 couldn't have had a more amazing experience aboard the Disney Wonder. Our 4-night Bahamian Cruise out of Port Canaveral, FL (about 45 minutes from MCO) took us to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers.
Why we had happy kids (ages 2 & 4):
-'Bye, Mom & Dad!': organized activities, character interaction, computer games, & climbing equipment in the Oceaneer's Club & Lab (included in your cruise price! ages 3+)
-Flounder's Nursery with care & activities for ages 0-2 ($6/hr)
-Scuttle's Cove on Castaway Cay-organized outdoor activities for ages 3+
-Mickey-shaped ketchup poured on your plate & waffles
-Ahoy there, princesses! (Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, & Tiana (Princess & the Frog)
-It actually SNOWED in the theater during the performance of Disney Dreams!
-Free self-serve ice cream!
Why we had happy parents:
-See everything under 'happy kids' :)
-The adults-only Cove Pool & Cafe area
-The adults-only gourmet restaurant, Palo
-The adults-only beach & spa treatments on Castaway Cay
-Service: ask & you shall receive!
-Free 24-hour room service (the cheese, fruit & cracker plate is particularly great for late-night cravings!)
-The fact that Disney somehow managed to serve us a 2 hour, 4-course meal every night AND keep our kids happy at the same time?!  In upcoming blogs, I'll be sharing more details about our cruise, including entertainment, dining, accommodations and all about Castaway Cay. Browse my MANY photos by clicking here or the photo above! This is also a special year for the Disney Wonder, as she will be saying goodbye to the Bahamas and hello to Disney's new-for-2011 Alaskan itinerary! The new Disney Dream will be taking over the Bahamas itinerary in 2011.
My next stop? A 4-night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Wonder, January 24-28 with my husband and our two kids!
Just like a vacation at any of the Disney Parks, cruising with the Disney Cruise Line is a different kind of experience. Here are some of the reasons we chose to cruise with The Mouse:
--Lots of Disney character experiences-they are everywhere, both onboard & even on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay! Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and the Princesses all make appearances at the onboard parties, in the shows, and even at special Meet & Greets (photo opps, naturally!). On 7-night cruises, they offer Character Breakfasts as well. And all of your entertainment, including a Pirates IN the Caribbean party (don't forget to pack your pirate gear!) and different Disney show each night, is included in your cruise price.
--All of your meals & most beverages, including 24-hour room service, are included! Did you know that many cruise lines charge for soft drinks? Not on a Disney cruise. Everything but alcoholic beverages is included. Also, Disney has 3 unique dining rooms that you rotate to each night of your cruise or you have the wonderful opportunity to dine without the kids in their luxurious, ADULTS-ONLY Palo restaurant.
--Need time away from the kids? Not a problem on a Disney ship (or on Castaway Cay). The Oceaneer's Club (onboard) or Scuttle's Cove (Castaway Cay) for ages 3+ is also FREE OF CHARGE! This is not just babysitting, either--kids can choose from a computer lab, dress-up, a reading area, a dance floor, movies, arts & crafts, and more at each & every visit! I know my 4 year old, William, is going to freak out when he sees this place...
--KIDS 0-17 SAIL FREE! Why are we cruising in January? Thanks to a Disney promotion, we saved around $700! Kids 0-17 sail FREE on most 3 & 4-night Bahamian Cruises from January-April. They frequently run this promotion for the Mediterranean cruises as well.
I promise to have all sorts of helpful hints, photos, & more when I return--so stay tuned to find out what a Fish Extender is and why you might need one (and why I'll be frantically making one this week)... ;)
Spring & Summer vacations will be here before you know it! Have you been thinking of where YOU would like to go? Looking for something or someplace different or have a treasured spot you'd like to return to? Let's talk--I really enjoy doing research for my clients (and remember, it doesn't cost you a thing!). And, I work within YOUR budget!
Here is just a sampling of the interesting adventures I'm planning for others:
- A girlfriends' getaway to a Mexican all-inclusive resort in March (Funjet Vacations has some great packages including flights right now!)
- A 3-night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Wonder OR a few days at a Walt Disney World Resort in March? Decisions, decisions for a family of 4! FYI, Disney has a great promotion going on right now: Book a 5-night, 6-day (or longer) stay at participating Disney Resorts & receive a FREE $300-750 Disney Gift Card! And yes, you can use it during your vacation at the Parks on just about everything--dining, merchandise, & recreation!
- A couple vacationing in Ireland without the kids in February--there are some really cool, economical independent travel packages through Sceptre Tours. They are looking at round-trip airfare for two, 7 nights of accommodations in Bed & Breakfasts (choose from B&Bs all over Ireland), full breakfast daily AND a rental car for under $2100 total!
- Another girlfriends' trip, this time to Boston!
- A couple interested in a European river cruise and/or exploring Germany's Rhineland region, with a possible excursion to the landing beaches of Normandy.
About time, huh? I finally added a selection of client and my own travel photos! Look for even more trips, reviews, and details to be added in the future--there will be something new all the time! If you have any questions or would like more information about anything you find in the Photo Gallery, just let me know. I ask a favor of my clients when they travel-take photos of your hotel rooms or staterooms & public hotel or ship areas, so I can include them in the Photo Gallery! Sometimes it is more helpful to see 'real-life' shots of these locations, as things might look a bit different from the perfectly-staged hotel photos. Click here to visit my new & improved Photo Gallery!
Coming soon to the Photo Gallery:
- A couple is celebrating their anniversary at the luxurious, adults-only, and all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at this very moment-can't wait to see the photos!
The 'standard' inside stateroom takes on a new meaning with Disney's introduction in early 2011 of their 3rd & latest cruise ship, the Disney Dream! Nothing standard about a Virtual Porthole in EVERY inside stateroom featuring real-time outside views, is there?! Here are some other features of the Disney Dream that I think are really cool:
- The AquaDuck, the very FIRST 'water coaster' on a cruise ship!
- New themed Main Dining restaurants, such as the Royal Palace. My daughter will freak out over this one, which takes its' inspiration from Cinderella, Snow White, & Sleeping Beauty!
- 3-D (another cruise industry first!) and first-run movies in the Walt Disney Theater
Did I mention I am currently booking 3, 4, or 5-night Bahamian Cruises aboard the Disney Dream? Well, I am, so don't miss out because this is going to be one popular ship! :)
Well, I'd have to say this is a pretty darn good deal. Essentially you're getting TWO very different (yet still very Disney!) family vacations for the price of one! Receive a FREE Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamas cruise with the purchase of select Adventures by Disney departures! Book by 1/15/2010 for travel with Adventures by Disney through 10/2/2010 and Disney Cruise through 12/15/2011.
Never heard of Adventures by Disney? Well, that's probably why they are offering such a great promotion! :) Here are just some of the eligible vacations available through this offer:
-Italy
-China
-Australia
-Alaska
-Grand Canyon
-Germany
-Costa Rica
-Canadian Rockies
Why travel with Adventures by Disney? Click here to find out!
The 3-night Disney Cruise Line Bahamas Cruise is fabulous as well considering all of this is included:
-All meals
-Most non-alcoholic beverages (bottled water is additional)
-All entertainment, including movies, shows, the Oceaneer Club for the kids, pools, & parties
-A visit to & meal on Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay-the characters visit you on the island as well!
-Port fees
Our family is going on a Disney Cruise in January, so stay tuned for lots of details from that experience! :)
Are you wondering what a I can do for you? Not sure if I can help you with the intricacies of YOUR travel needs? Seriously, no request is too big or too small for me to handle, so it can't hurt to JUST ASK! :)
I am working on a wide variety of travel itineraries at any given moment-take a look at what's on my plate recently!
- Several "Grand Gatherings" (8+ people) of family members at Walt Disney World. FYI, as a Grand Gathering, you are eligible for some fun extra events and you can use your Disney Dining Plan meals for many of them!
- A couple heading to two of my favorite locations, Munich & Vienna, planning to ride Falkor (from The Neverending Story-great movie!) at the Bavarian Film Studios (I didn't even know you could do that!).
- Two sisters, their families, & their parents taking a Carnival Cruise to the Mexican Riviera next summer (now that is what I call quality family time!).
Hmm, I wonder what will be next?
Many of the world's cruise lines are participating in a World's Largest Cruise Night event tomorrow, October 14th! Here's a link to more information, both via my own WLCN site & a sample of the great Onboard Credit deals to be found this week! World's Largest Cruise Night 10/14Did you know that only 20% of Americans have ever cruised, yet nearly 95% of cruisers are satisfied with their cruise experience?! WOW! So, why haven't YOU cruised?
Let's clear up some common barriers to cruising:
- Cruising is too expensive!
There are not many vacations where your lodging, food (and a lot of it!), non-alcoholic beverages and entertainment are all included AND you only have to unpack once to visit multiple destinations! If you consider the costs of cruising per person, per night (per diem), things are put into a very different perspective.
For instance, my family is taking a Disney cruise in January. Our total cost, thanks to the Kids Sail FREE promotion, is $1468.00 for 4 people and 4 nights to the Bahamas. SO, it is costing us $91.75 per person, per night for multiple Disney shows, movies, all meals (buffet, sit-down, counter service, etc.), snacks & non-alcoholic beverages, our stateroom, all pools & water slides, kids' programs, and a whole lot more!
- There isn't ENOUGH to do -or- there is too MUCH too do!
You can do as much or as little as YOU want on a cruise ship or at port! I promise that I won't let anyone force you to do any particular activity on your cruise vacation. Want to relax poolside with a colorful frozen drink with an umbrella in it all day? Ok. Want to do rock-climbing in the morning, learn a new language in the afternoon, see Blue Man Group in the evening, followed by a decadent dessert buffet at midnight? Ok. Hmmm, sounds good to me...
- What if I get motion sickness?
Yes, it is possible. HOWEVER, there are many ways to combat motion sickness and trust me, your cruise line wants you to be as healthy & happy as possible, so take advantage of the FREE Dramamine they offer onboard! :)
Other remedies:
-Sea Bands (purchase these in advance at any pharmacy-you just wear them on your wrists like bracelets!)
-Patches (talk to your doctor or visit your local pharmacy) Remember, I can prepare options for your cruise at any time for your review and there is no obligation whatsoever! Try it, you might like it! :)
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